He says to anyone who will listen that he's the "Happiest Mayor in the Universe." In April of 2003, Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman captured 86 percent of the vote in his re-election effort to a second 4-year term. The final vote tally is one of the largest margins of victory ever for a large city mayor in a major election. Goodman often jokes that he's "still looking for the other 14 percent!"

In the meantime, Goodman will travel during Europe Live and blog about his experiences across the pond. In February, Goodman and the city of Las Vegas will also host the NBA All-Star 2007.

PARIS -- posted by Oscar Goodman on October 9, 2006, 2:45 p.m. ET

I've been treated like royalty here, and it's almost embarrassing. The NBA has been so accommodating, as well as the host cities, during the Europe Live Tour.

One of the big attractions for Sunday's game between the San Antonio Spurs and Maccabi Elite Tel Aviv was Spurs' guard Tony Parker. Tony is a native of France. The crowd roared whenever he touched the ball. His girlfriend, Eva Longoria, attended the game, signed autographs and took photos. I was lucky enough to have my photo taken. I told her if she has "Desperate Housewives," I'm going to have "Desperate Mayors."

I met the Mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoe at the game too. He mentioned he had visited San Francisco recently but didn't have the opportunity to travel to Las Vegas. I told him he must come to Vegas! After all, we have a hotel resort named after his city, complete with the Eiffel Tower. I invited him and the Senior Prime Minister of France, Lionel Jospin, to NBA All-Star 2007 when Vegas will host the best event ever.

Sportscaster Ahmad Rashad also attended the game, which San Antonio won 97-84. So did George "Iceman" Gervin, who was recognized at halftime for his career.

The experience of the Europe Live Tour, presented by EA Sports, is one I will never forget. Travel and tourism help break down stereotypes and political barriers. It generates new friendships. International athletic competition provides that stimulus as well. In each market, the NBA team uniforms incorporated the colors of the host country's flag. For example, the Spurs had blue, white and red on the side of their uniforms for the game in Paris. There were also many fans waving Israeli flags during the game.

I wish I could stay with the Europe Live Tour as it travels to Cologne, Germany. I have met so many wonderful people and have a clearer understanding of their cultures. I also have a much better knowledge of how the NBA operates and will draw upon that experience.

But I must get back to my duties as the "Happiest Mayor of the Universe." When you come to town, stop by and say hello. And remember, nobody does it better than Vegas. This is Mayor Oscar B. Goodman signing off.

ROME -- posted by Oscar Goodman on October 8, 2006, 3 p.m. ET

Wow! Friday was one of the best days of my life, even for the "Happiest Mayor of the Universe." Hello from Rome, Italy. A city and country so breathtaking, it stimulates your imagination and your soul.

When Las Vegas celebrated its 100th birthday in 2005, I thought it was a big deal. And it was a big deal. And I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. But this is Rome. There is so much history. There is so much tradition.

One of the highlights was meeting the Mayor of Rome, Walter Veltroni. He was very gracious. I also had the honor to meet his beautiful wife and three daughters. Of course, the lovely Vegas showgirls accompanied me. They generated quite a buzz at city hall. That's been the case wherever they have gone on this business trip. I'm often asked why the Vegas showgirls are always with me. It's simply marketing. The showgirls are part of our history and mystique, an icon of Las Vegas. When you see showgirls, you think Vegas. It's all about branding and generating awareness for the destination.

Mayor Veltroni gave me a tour of his office, which includes a balcony with a gorgeous view of the Palantine Hills, Roman Forum and the place where Julius Caesar stood in debate. We spoke for about fifteen minutes and realized we share the same love for our cities and the people we represent. Prior to saying goodbye, we exchanged gifts. Later that evening, I saw Mayor Veltroni at the NBA Europe Live basketball game.

I did other many other activities before arriving at the arena to watch the Phoenix Suns play Lottomatica Virtus Roma. As chair of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, I hosted an event for business clients, primarily airline representatives and wholesale tour operators. Both are key stakeholders if Vegas is going to achieve its vision of 43-million annual visitors by 2009. Former NBA players Bill Russell and Kiki Vandeweghe attended the reception.

While at the game, I chatted with former UNLV player Shawn Marion, now with the Suns. He is very excited for Vegas to be the Official Host City of NBA All-Star 2007. Everyone is. I spoke with Commissioner David Stern at halftime and sat with Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver the second half.

Phoenix won the game 100-93. Afterward, Suns' Coach Mike D'Antoni thanked Mayor Veltroni and the City of Rome for being a host of the Europe Live Tour, presented by EA Sports. D'Antoni spoke in Italian which the fans loved.

Friday was a rewarding day, professionally and personally. It has stirred my passion to read Roman and Greek mythology once again. The "Happiest Mayor of the Universe" travels to Paris next. This is Oscar B. Goodman signing off.

BARCELONA, Spain -- posted by Oscar Goodman on October 6, 2006, 8 a.m. ET

We brought a little Vegas flair to Spain. David Dow/NBAE/Getty Images

Hello my friends, I wish you were here with me in Barcelona, Spain.

It’s been an exciting two days for the happiest Mayor in the universe, and it’s just beginning. As Chairman of the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and host city of NBA All-Star 2007 in February, the NBA invited me – and the beautiful Vegas showgirls -- to participate in activities associated with NBA Europe Live presented by EA Sports, a collection of games and training camps in five countries and seven cities.

I began my journey from Las Vegas on Oct. 3 and will visit the cities of Barcelona, Rome and Paris over the next five days. I have conducted many media interviews since arriving in Spain, promoting Las Vegas and all the great amenities we offer: dining, shopping, entertainment, spa, golf, and of course, gaming. Nobody does it better than Las Vegas, but I was surprised to learn that Barcelona also has a casino.

The media here are well versed about – and intrigued with – Las Vegas. Commissioner David Stern stopped by to say hello and check on me. Earlier in the day, I met the Philadelphia 76ers. The Executive Advisor, Sonny Hill, recognized me and introduced me to the players, including Allen Iverson.

The trainer of the 76ers also knows me, as he is the son of a former client. It’s a small world, isn’t it?

But in reality, the first part of my experience has reminded me how large the world is. Las Vegas hosted 38.6 million visitors in 2005; about 12 percent were international visitors. My stay here has given me the opportunity to meet some of those visitors in their home country. It’s been very educational, very broadening. It has reminded me of how much I don’t know.

Barcelona’s most striking characteristic is its art and architecture. It’s everywhere: parks, schools, churches. It makes this country very vibrant and is integrated into the culture.

As far as the game, the arena was packed with more than 16,000 fans. It was an electric atmosphere. Commissioner Stern and I chatted at the game. The showgirls and I promoted Las Vegas as the home of NBA All-Star 2007 with an on-court, fan contest at the end of the third quarter. Winterthur FC Barcelona beat the 76ers 104-99.

I’m traveling to Rome early Friday morning. I’ll chat with you this weekend and let you know if Rome was built in a day.

Until then, this is Mayor Oscar B. Goodman, the happiest Mayor in the universe, signing off.